English translation now a must for Abu Dhabi civil cases

Abu Dhabi - Previously, all court documents were presented only in Arabic and defendants had to translate the files on their own.

The Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD) has recently implemented a new policy requiring plaintiffs in civil and commercial cases to translate their files in English for defendants who don't speak Arabic.
Introduced in early November, the new rule applies only to civil and commercial courts, where the plaintiff is usually claiming a sum of money from the defendant. The changes don't apply to case files in criminal, misdemeanour and labour courts, officials said. English would be the only language required for the files' translation.
The ADJD on Tuesday organised a workshop for lawyers and law firms to brief them of the new rule, as well as its importance not only for the judicial system but for the entire community.
Previously, all court documents were presented only in Arabic and defendants had to translate the files on their own to understand the details of the cases.
The new rule, the first of its kind in the region, has been implemented on the directives of Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs and chairman of the ADJD.
Officials explained that adding English language to court files would enhance transparency and simplify the litigation process for non-Arabic parties. The decision was made after the judicial department studied the multilingual courts in various nations.
"I am happy with the new changes as it will give more clarity in litigation. Previously, many non-Arabic-speaking defendants were finding it hard to understand the accusations against them because they received court documents in Arabic," said Anjad Khalid, a Pakistani businessman in Abu Dhabi.
The recent workshop also reviewed how the judicial department could further enhance its services to contribute in achieving the Abu Dhabi government's 2030 vision, which aims to expand foreign investment across the Capital and make the emirate a top destination for skilled workers.
ismail@khaleejtimes.com

• Abu Dhabi